Illinois State Police Museum
The first dream of the ISPHF became a reality in 2004 when property was purchased for a Museum. A building to house exhibits and vehicles owned by the Foundation was constructed and two existing houses were renovated for use as an office and archive storage. The Museum opened to the public April 1, 2005.
In 2020, the physical property of the museum was sold in order to find a new site for the growing collection of memorabilia and vintage fleet vehicles. Fundraising efforts are underway and the search is on to find the perfect new location.
Notable ISPHF Museum Items
• Full dark brown Auxiliary Police Uniform, Badge and Patch worn in the 1950s. Used by Auxiliary Officers for State Fair and for Crowd Control at the Capitol.
• Three quarter length dark brown cloth Reefer which was worn as the Trooper uniform.
• ISP winter coat from 1954 until 1988
• Stars and rank insignia
• 1951 Ford “black and white” police car
• 1966 Ford “black and white” police car
• 1966 Ford 75th anniversary squad car
• John Dillinger’s Death mask
• 1922 Illinois Highway Patrol uniform.
• Illinois State Police Pipes and Drums uniform
Support the Illinois State Police Museum Efforts
A New Chapter for the Illinois State Police Heritage Museum
We recently acquired the former U.S. Bank building at Sixth and Cook streets in downtown Springfield, directly across from ISP Memorial Park. Planned to open by the end of 2027, our new Illinois State Police Heritage Museum and visitor center will expand the Memorial Park experience by helping visitors learn not only how fallen officers died, but how they lived and served.
The facility will display historic uniforms, badges, equipment, documents, and our fleet of vintage squad cars. It will also provide indoor space for memorial ceremonies, educational programs, community gatherings, and future events. Together, the museum and Memorial Park will create a meaningful Springfield destination where visitors can explore Illinois State Police history, honor fallen officers, and connect with our mission.
